Pathfinders (ages 8-13)
Learning Pod Program
Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist--North Door
1025 N. Smith St., North Entrance, Palatine, IL 60067 · Get directions- Dates & times
26 sessions from Tue, Sep 8, 2026 [Show]
- Description
2026-2027 Pathfinders Core Learning Pods
What is it?
We're excited to once again offer Harmony Pathfinders Learning Pods. This is for kids who are interested in a rich, child-led learning cohort one day each week, where "agency" & positive relationships are nurtured. Pathfinders focuses on building community and interpersonal skills, hands-on learning through project-based challenges, application of academic skills like reading/writing (vs. explicit instruction), and critical thinking.
Pathfinders is a once weekly, five-hour drop-off program, with the core program best-suited to kids ages 8-12/13 that continues throughout the academic year (with breaks every 6-7 weeks).
Is Pathfinders a good fit for your child? In which pod are kids with ages on the cusps most likely to thrive? READ more specifics about each Pathfinders Pod here.
Read more about the Pathfinder program overview on our website. (Starlings and Novas will follow a coordinated schedule).
RETURNING registrants: Previously enrolled Pathfinders will be invited to return to the program via e-mail by June 24th, 2026.
NEW registrants: Please note, prior to registration as Pathfinders, families must apply and be approved for a Harmony Membership. New Membership info here.
Students who are new to the Pathfinders program are expected to complete a trial day prior to admission to the program. New fall registrants who have not yet completed a trial may enroll normally for the fall, but this means their trial will take place over the first two weeks of the program. Please note that while completing a trial does not guarantee admission to the program, a spot will be held for you for the 2026-7 academic year in the event that all parties agree to finalize the registration after the trial. Trial families will be contacted following the second week to discuss any concerns.
Please note, due to budget planning, families on payment plans who withdraw mid-year will still be responsible to fulfill the remaining payments regardless of attendance.
*Pathfinders (Core Program) should be 8 years old by September 8th, 2026. Students not yet 8 by September are encouraged to register for Pathfinders Novas. 8-year-olds may choose to participate in Pathfinders Novas or Pathfinders Core at parents' discretion--consult leadership for more information/assistance choosing as needed, and/or read more here.
Registration opens:
-For returning Pathfinder families - June 24th
-For new-but-active members & students who previously completed a trial day - July 1.
-For prospective members - July 7.
Registration will remain open through the end of July. Mid-year registration is accepted only on a case-by-case basis.
- Type of program
- Pathfinders